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Victoria College, Belfast Information

11+

SEAG

Victoria College, Belfast Information

Age:11+

Table of Content

🏫 Victoria College, Belfast – SEAG Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Voluntary Grammar School | Girls | Belfast, Northern Ireland | Ages 11–18


📚 History of Victoria College, Belfast

Victoria College traces its origins back to 1859, when it was founded as The Ladies’ Collegiate School by the pioneering educator Margaret Byers, one of the most influential advocates for girls’ education in Ireland. The school was renamed Victoria College in honour of Queen Victoria in 1888 and has continued its legacy of empowering girls through education ever since.

Originally based in Belfast city centre, the school is now located on a spacious, modern site on the Upper Malone Road, surrounded by greenery and equipped with extensive facilities. Victoria College has become one of the leading grammar schools for girls in Northern Ireland, with a long tradition of academic excellence, arts, and STEM innovation.


👩‍🎓 Pupil Numbers & School Structure

  • Total Pupils: ~870

  • Year 8 Intake: ~120 pupils

  • Sixth Form: ~200 pupils

  • Gender: Girls only

  • Age Range: 11–18

  • School Type: Voluntary Grammar School

  • Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational (inclusive ethos)

  • Boarding: Available (one of the few grammar schools in NI offering boarding for international students)


🎓 Academic Reputation

Victoria College is consistently ranked among the top-performing girls’ grammar schools in Northern Ireland. It is particularly noted for its strength in STEM subjects, English, Languages, and Arts, and for its inclusive, forward-thinking learning environment.

✅ Academic Strengths:

  • High achievers in Maths, Sciences, English Literature, Art, and ICT

  • Strong progression to Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, QUB, and Trinity College Dublin

  • Recognised for supporting gifted learners, as well as offering excellent pastoral care

📊 Academic Results:

  • GCSEs:

    • ~100% of pupils achieve 7+ GCSEs at A–C*

    • ~85–90% of grades are at A–A*

  • A-Levels:

    • ~80–85% of grades at A–B*

    • Graduates pursue courses in Medicine, Law, Engineering, Architecture, and the Arts


🏆 Awards & Recognition

  • STEM Centre of Excellence

  • Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

  • BT Young Scientist & Technology finalists

🏫 Victoria College, Belfast – Contact Information

School Name: Victoria College Belfast
Type: All-Girls Voluntary Grammar School (Co-educational in Sixth Form), Ages 11–18
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland


📍 Address:

Main Campus:
Victoria College
2a Cranmore Park
Malone Road
Belfast
BT9 6JA
Northern Ireland
United Kingdom


☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)28 9038 1503


📧 Email:

info@victoriacollege.belfast.ni.sch.uk


🌐 Website:

https://www.victoriacollege.org.uk


📱 Social Media:

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

SEAG Score Needed to get into Victoria College, Belfast

Below is historical scores for Victoria College, Belfast from 2023 to 2014.

2023 Lowest Score – AQE 88
2022 Lowest Grade – AQE 88
2021 N/A
2020 Lowest Grade – AQE 93
2019 Lowest Grade – AQE 93
2018 Lowest Grade – AQE 93
2017 Lowest Grade – AQE 99
2016 Lowest Grade – AQE 93
2015 Lowest Grade – AQE 99
2014 Lowest Grade – AQE 94

As you can see from the above stats and 93 in AQE in all years will have got you into Victoria College, Belfast. The highest score needed was 99 in 2015 and lowest 88 in 2022 & 2023.
A 99 score in old AQE test is equivalent to 193 in new SEAG test so based on past intake a minimum score of 193+ in SEAG test would give your child a very high chance of getting accepted into Victoria College, Belfast.

SEAG Comparison with historical AQE and PPTC outcomes:

Approx PPTC / GL Equivalent SAS SEAG TSAS Approx AQE Equivalent SAS SEAG Band SEAG Cohort Percentile
282 282 130 1 100
258 236 1 90
249 224 113 1 80
242 215 109 1 70
236 207 106 1 60*
231 200 103 2 50*
226 193 99 3 40*
220 185 94 4 30*
214 175 88 5 20*
200 <175 6 <20

*This is the minimum cohort percentile needed for that Band

Two examples:
A SEAG TSAS of 215 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 242 or an AQE SAS of about 109. A SEAG TSAS of 185 would be “equivalent” to a PPTC SAS of about 220 or an AQE SAS of about 94.

Minimum PPTC /GL SAS needed for Grade PPTC/ GL Grade Approx Equivalent SEAG TSAS
234 A 206
229 B1 197
224 B2 190
219 C1 183
213 C2 174
<213 D <174

📘 How to Use ExamTutor SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers (with Video Explanations) to Achieve High Scores for Victoria College, Belfast

Preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test effectively is crucial to securing a place at highly competitive grammar schools like Victoria College, Belfast. Using ExamTutor’s SEAG Transfer Test Practice Papers with video explanations is one of the smartest ways to build exam confidence, improve accuracy, and boost scores.

Below is a step-by-step strategy to help you make the most of your resources and target success.


🎯 Why ExamTutor Practice Papers Work

ExamTutor provides:

  • Authentic SEAG-style questions in Maths and English

  • Step-by-step video solutions that explain how and why each answer works


Step-by-Step Strategy for Using ExamTutor SEAG Practice Papers

Step 1: Set a Study Schedule

  • Begin preparation at least 6–9 months before the SEAG test (ideally by January or February of Primary 6)

  • Aim for 2–3 practice sessions per week, gradually increasing frequency closer to the test (in November)


Step 2: Start with One Full Practice Paper

  • Attempt a paper without a time limit

  • Use the ExamTutor printable PDF

  • Do not use help or calculators

📌 Tip: Start with a “practice” paper to assess your current level in:

  • English (comprehension, grammar, punctuation)

  • Maths (mental arithmetic, problem-solving, word problems)


Step 3: Review Your Answers Using Video Explanations

  • After each paper, watch the video solutions provided by ExamTutor for every question you got wrong — and those you got right by guessing

  • Pay attention to:

    • Why an answer is correct

    • How to avoid common traps

    • Time-saving strategies

  • Take notes in a dedicated SEAG notebook

  • How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

    Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
    Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
    Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

    Video explanations ensure pupils fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.


Step 4: Focus on Weak Areas

  • Track the types of questions you consistently get wrong:

    • In English: Inference, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar

    • In Maths: Fractions, word problems, percentages, multi-step logic

  • Use targeted ExamTutor video lessons or supplementary topic-specific questions

📌 Tip: Keeping a detailed track of questions you got incorrect can be reviewed at a later date to reinforce the topic.


Step 5: Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the SEAG entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.


Step 6: Use Spaced Repetition

  • Rotate papers every few weeks — don’t repeat the same one too soon

  • Revisit older papers to ensure retention

  • Use the “mark and reflect” method:

    • Mark answers

    • Watch relevant videos

    • Reflect on what you’ve learned and write a short summary


Step 7: Mock Exam Month (October)

  • In the month before the SEAG test:

    • Do 2 full practice papers per week

    • Use ExamTutor’s practice test papers under realistic timed conditions

    • Review your mistakes using the videos within 24 hours


How This Helps with Victoria College, Belfast Admission

  • Victoria College, Belfast ranks applicants by SEAG score, giving priority to high scorers

  • By using ExamTutor:

    • You build familiarity with SEAG-style questions

    • You strengthen core exam techniques

    • You develop accuracy under time pressure

    • You avoid repeat mistakes


📦 Suggested ExamTutor SEAG Resources

  • 📘 SEAG Practice Papers Pack 1,2 & 3 with Video Explanations

👉 Available at: www.examtutor.co.uk through subscription packages

💡 Bonus Tips for Parents

  • Avoid low quality repetitive practice tests, will only create a negative attitude

  • Build a calm and positive home environment for study
  • Focus on progress, not perfection

  • Celebrate small wins to keep motivation high

  • Use breaks and rewards to avoid burnout


📍 Final Thoughts

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Victoria College, Belfast Preparation?

SEAG style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
Used successfully by thousands of pupils every year.

Achieving a high SEAG score for Wallace High School Lisburn is very possible with the right strategy and tools. With ExamTutor’s exam-style papers and video explanations, you get both practice and expert guidance — exactly what’s needed to turn mistakes into mastery.

📋 Admissions Criteria (Subject to Annual Review)

If oversubscribed, Victoria College applies the following admissions criteria:

  1. Girls with valid SEAG scores, ranked highest to lowest

  2. Siblings of current or past pupils

  3. Daughters of staff or alumni

  4. Applicants from designated feeder primary schools

  5. Geographical proximity to the school (tie-breaker)

Special Circumstances (e.g. illness, SEN, trauma) and Special Provisions (e.g. newcomer pupils or late applicants) will be considered with appropriate evidence.


📅 Admissions Timeline 

Stage Date
SEAG Registration Opens May
SEAG Registration Closes September
SEAG Test Dates November (2 Saturdays)
Results Sent to Parents January 
EA Application Portal Opens Late January 
Application Deadline February 
Offers Issued March

SEAG Exam Information for Victoria College, Belfast

The SEAG Group’ consists of 63 Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland that use academic selection for all or part of their Year 8 intake. The SEAG 2024 Entrance Assessment is for pupils who will be transferring to post primary schools and whose parents may be considering a place at a SEAG school for their child. Our Lady’s Grammar School is a SEAG School. Victoria College, Belfast will use the results from the SEAG Test to determine who gets offered a place at the school.

SEAG Registration and Exam Details
Parents can register their child at the SEAG website at the following address. SEAG (seagni.co.uk).The SEAG Entrance Assessment consists of two papers. Both papers assess English and Mathematics and both have an identical format consisting of three Sections:

1st Section – The Practice Test Section
This section contains 5 English followed by 5 Maths questions. These questions are designed to help pupils settle before the Main Test begins. The Practice Test is not assessed or timed.
2nd Section – English Main Test.
The English section of the paper consists of 28 questions (Q1-Q28) and is broken down into 4 sections:
1) “Punctuation Exercise” containing 5 multiple choice questions.
2) “Grammar Exercise” 5 multiple choice questions.
3) “Spelling Exercise” with 5 multiple choice questions.
4) Comprehension”. Contains a passage and are then asked 13 questions on the passage; 7 of these are multiple choice (Q16-Q22). The final 6 questions (Q23-Q28) are described as “free response”; the pupil writes the answer to each in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
3rd Section – Maths Main Test.
The Maths section also has 28 questions (Q29-Q56) and is broken down into 2 sections:
1) The first 22 Maths questions (Q29-Q50) are multiple choice questions.
2) The final 6 Maths questions (Q51-Q56) are described as “free response”. For each of these questions the pupil works out the correct answer and writes the answer in the space provided in the Answer Sheet.
Pupils will have 60 minutes to answer the 56 Main Test questions.
They can choose to start with the English questions or with the Maths questions.
Each of the multiple choice questions has 5 possible answers.

Admissions Criteria for Victoria College, Belfast

Most Northern Ireland Grammar Schools are now using the SEAG Entrance Assessment instead of Transfer Test AQE or PPTC/GL Assessment. As part of their admissions criteria each school uses slightly different criteria versions for admissions. The vast majority of schools will have SEAG Band one as 1st criteria which means you need to score 206+ in the SEAG Entrance Assessment Test. If you don’t get band one then you will not be guaranteed a grammar school place in any school in Northern Ireland.
After criteria one, criteria two can vary depending on Grammar School. The majority of Grammar Schools 2nd criteria will be if a family member currently or in some cases has attended the school, other schools will go straight to SEAG TSAS scores. The main key point to note is that you need to aim for band one which is 206 in SEAG Entrance Assessment for the vast majority of Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. Another key point is school preference, most schools don’t stipulate they have to be number one preference on the SEAG Application form to be considered for a place at their school. So, if you put down a Grammar School as 1st preference and don’t get the grade to get in, as long as your 2nd choice school doesn’t stipulate their school has to be 1st preference then it’s the same as putting the 2nd school down 1st on the SEAG application form.
Our advice is to read the Grammar School criteria carefully and know what your child needs to achieve to gain entry as a lot of parents get confused over the criteria. We keep an up-to-date database of past Transfer Test and SEAG scores you need to gain entry to all Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland.
Our SEAG products at bottom of the page are proven resources to give you child the best chance of getting a high score in SEAG, our Practice Test Papers with video explanations are a great starting point for the SEAG Exam. Our online and live tutor bootcamps are a great alternative to an expensive tutor and our mock exams are a great way to find out what level your child is currently at compared to other children who have taken our mock exams in the same area. Our mock exams will be pitched at examination level difficulty so you have an exact understanding of the level your child needs to aim for. Below is the criteria for this Grammar School. If you have any questions please contact us:
The number of places available in Year 8 is limited to the admissions number set by the Department of Education and is currently 130 places. The cut-off for admission will therefore be the 130th place. Candidates resident in Northern Ireland at the time of their proposed admission will be selected for admission to the College before any Candidate not so resident.
1) Candidates who are entitled to Free School Meals (FSME): Priority to be given so that the proportion of such children admitted is not less than the proportion of first preference FSME applications received within the total number of first preference applications received. The calculation of this proportion will be on the basis of first preference applications received by the
2) Secondary Department. Academic Selection: Candidates who have been provided with a Statement of Outcomes following their completion of the SEAG Entrance Assessment, comprising 2 papers, will have been allocated
3) by SEAG to one of 6 bands designated from 1 to 6. Before consideration of Candidates who completed the SEAG Entrance Assessment, the Board of Governors will first consider applications for Special Circumstances (see further paragraph 4 below) and for Special Provisions (see further paragraph 5 below). Where applications are granted, Candidates will be assigned to one of the 6 bands by the Board of Governors. Candidates will be admitted in the order stated below on the basis of the band to which they have been allocated by SEAG/ the Board of Governors. All Candidates allocated to Band 1 will be admitted before those allocated to Band 2, Band 2 before Band 3 and so forth.
4) In the event of there being more Candidates than places available within any of the bands set out in 2.2 above or if the College is oversubscribed following the application of the above criteria, the criteria outlined below will be applied in the order stated: i. Candidates who, at the date of application, are enrolled in the Preparatory Department of the College; ii. Candidates who, at the date of application, have a Child of the Family currently enrolled in the Secondary Department of the College; iii. Candidates who are a Child Looked After; i v. Candidates who, at the date of application, are the Eldest Child of the Family eligible for admission to the College in September 2024; v. Candidates who, at the date of application, have another Child of the Family accepted for the Secondary Department of the College for the forthcoming academic year; vi. Candidates who, at the date of application, have another Child of the Family attending any other single sex post-primary school or have another Child of the Family accepted to attend a single sex school for the forthcoming academic year; vii. Candidates who, at the date of application, attend a primary school that is a recognised feeder school for the College. A recognised feeder primary school is one from which pupils have transferred to the College over the preceding three-year period. Feeder primary schools will be ranked according to the average number of pupils who have transferred to the College over the preceding three-year period and those with higher numbers will have precedence.*
5) Tie-Breaker: Candidates will be ranked for acceptance on the basis of a computer-based process which will make use of the data as entered on the Transfer Application. The process is carried out by means of a computer program which, for each child, generates a ranking number using the details from the Transfer Application as the seed for a random number generator. The ranking number generated, for any given child, is dependent only on the candidate’s data (as entered on the Transfer Application) and is not affected by the details of any other child. Although the process is repeatable, and the results may therefore be subsequently verified, it is not possible to predict, in advance of running the program, what the result will be for any given set of details. Children with the lowest ranking numbers will be given places up to the number of places available.
Visit Victoria College, Belfast website for a more detailed Admissions Policy document – https://www.victoriacollege.org.uk

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